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 nown
as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean”,
Dominica boasts a rugged and unspoiled beauty that begs
to be explored. The largest and most mountainous of the
Windward Islands, its green volcanic peaks tower almost
5,000 feet above sea level. With untamed tropical rainforests,
crystal clear streams, cascading waterfalls, tranquil
beaches and the absence of any large scale tourist development,
Dominica is truly one of the most pristine islands in
the world. In addition to its natural splendor, the island
enjoys a rich culture which comes from its mix of Carib
Indian, Colonial European, African and Creole peoples.
Join us on a community service adventure to discover
the ecological and cultural treasures of Dominica while
volunteering alongside its welcoming inhabitants and
making a real contribution to their communities in need.
Then embark on a weeklong sailing voyage to explore and
do service work on neighboring islands in the French
West Indies. |
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| Day 1–3 |
| We settle into a small guesthouse
in the scenic Roseau Valley, just a short walk to stunning
waterfalls and soothing hot springs. Spend a day investigating
Dominica’s colorful capital and festive craft markets.
Ready for adventure, we head to Morne Trois Pitons National
Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together we take
on a demanding hike to the world famous Boiling Lake.
The challenging climb takes us past an astounding display
of biodiversity, through rainforests and the Valley of
Desolation, over mountains and rivers to the volcanic
crater of bubbling sulfur. Exhilarated at reaching the
top, we are engulfed by the cloud of steam that emanates
from the percolating grey-blue water. Our first few days
on this magnificent island leave us with a feeling of
accomplishment, eager to take on the next phase of our
journey. |
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| Day 4–7 |
| We travel up the leeward coast of
Dominica to Portsmouth to work with the Ministry of Education’s
Youth Development Division. Lend a hand creating recreational
activities at their youth center and taking on a variety
of community enrichment projects with local children.
The work is rewarding and fun, and provides us with unmatched
opportunities to learn what life is like for young islanders
here. We also spend a day visiting a banana plantation
and learning how this crop is a staple of Dominica’s
agricultural base. In the evenings, we relax at our beachside
cottages where the production staff of Pirates of the
Caribbean 2 stayed while filming the movie. We leave
Portsmouth with new friends, great memories and the satisfaction
that we made a difference. |
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| Day 8–9 |
| With our first service projects behind
us, we’re ready for some rest and reflection. Discuss
lessons learned and how to apply them to our next projects.
Then head out for fun in the turquoise waters! Dominica’s
dramatic scenery extends to the shoreline and continues
underwater, with pristine reefs, mysterious pinnacles
and an abundance of marine life. We take time to explore
by snorkeling and kayaking. |
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| Day 10–14 |
Travel to the spectacular eastern shores of Dominica to meet your home stay families in the village of Castle Bruce. Here we immerse ourselves in the local culture while working with islanders and Peace Corps volunteers on ongoing community development efforts which range from historical and youth development projects to environmental and eco-tourism endeavors. Finish long and fulfilling days by joining new Dominican friends for a game of soccer or a swim at the beach. Enjoy traditional meals with your family and learn what it is like to grow up in a world very different than your own. |
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| Day 15–21 |
Set sail on a live-aboard voyage to
the nearby French West Indies. Explore the picturesque
islands of Marie Galante and Ile des Saintes. Here we undertake one last community service project that immerses us in the French West Indies’ spirited Creole culture. Hike up Fort Napoleon for an awesome view of the islands, then discover the marvels of the underwater world by snorkeling or taking part in an optional Discover Scuba dive. As we head back to Dominica on our final sail, we
think back on our three weeks in the islands and the stories
we’ll take home about spectacular sights, amazing
adventures, festive cultures, new friends and rewarding
projects.  |
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Do Community Service Work
on Dominica and Guadeloupe |
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Cultural Studies and Immersion; Home Stay |
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Hike to Dominica’s
Boiling Lake |
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Snorkeling, Sea Kayaking,
Optional Discover Scuba |
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Weeklong Live-aboard Sailing
Voyage |
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Earn High School/College
Credit |
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Earn 55+ Hours Community Service
Credit |
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